KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — The Kalamazoo State Theatre is gearing up for its final show Saturday night ahead of a pause while leaders look for new owners for the nearly 100-year-old building. 

The building’s first act started in 1927. After undergoing renovations in the ’60s, the Hinman Company took over in 1985 when the theater was at risk of closing. Tribute band Almost Queen along with special guest Lisa Can’t Sing will close out the current chapter for the State Theatre. 

“We’re pumped for their return as they always bring great energy and presence to the stage. What an awesome note to end on before we hit our pause, and how special for us to have one of our own, Director of Marketing and Development Harry Phillips, on stage with his band Lisa Can’t Sing for our final show,” Executive Director Stephanie Hinman said in a statement. 

Hinman said the crowd’s energy in the unique space is what makes it a “local gem worthy of preservation.” 

“I am excited to carry the energy of our final show forward in my efforts to identify the theatre’s next steward,” she said. 

Some musicians who called West Michigan home said they hope that energy and music soon ring through the historical hall again. 

THE START OF THE VERVE PIPE

Among the hundreds of comedy acts and movies shown at the State Theatre, some of the biggest names in music performed there. The space even launched some careers — like that of Brian Vander Ark from rock band The Verve Pipe. 

Growing up in the area, he said he did not have much money for concert tickets. He said the first time he got to go inside the theater was during a battle of the bands in 1992 as part of The Verve Pipe. 

“The nostalgia of it, you know. The sound was impeccable. The light show was always great. The crowds were fantastic. There’s not a bad seat in the house,” he said. 

The band would come back several times that decade.

“In ’97, I think it was, we did three nights, three sold-out nights there. So it was a very fruitful time for the band and that was by far the best place to play. In fact, I could go on record and say probably my favorite place ever of all the places I’ve ever played all over the world,” he said. 

He credited the venue for inspiring the song “Local Boys” when security would not let him back inside the building after he forgot his pass.  He said the space also helped the group get signed on with a major record label with their hit “The Freshmen” by backing the theater during an album release party. 

“Honestly, there’s nothing that compares to it. There’s nothing that compared to the State Theater. I mean, it was just the perfect place for us, home time, hometown crowd, so much support lying around the building every time we played there. I mean, there was always an electricity in the air from the moment that we got in that place,” Vander Ark said. 

GREENSKY BLUEGRASS TAKES THE STAGE

Dave Bruza of jam band Greensky Bluegrass grew up in Kalamazoo and remembers the 1990s being a time filled with major music acts stopping in Kalamazoo on to way to Detroit or Chicago. Bruza remembered seeing names like Bob Dylan and The Dave Matthews Band perform at the State Theatre. 

“I could add to that list because it was such a special venue and it was so unique and just beautiful. I don’t think there are many rooms that sound as good as that room, either,” he said.

At a 2000 New Year’s Eve party, Bruza said he had his turn on stage. 

“What a thrill that was to see the view from the stage for the first time. And yeah, it’s just it’s such a unique room and really, really special to music,” he said. 

Those qualities also made it seamless for the band to perform there. 

“It was very comfortable, very safe. It was a really unique place to be able to be creative, be able to express ourselves,” Bruza said. 

THE NEXT ACT

Both musicians expressed sadness to see the theater go into an uncertain period, but both are hopeful the doors will open again with a new owner. 

“It’s going to come back, I’m sure, I’m sure of it. I mean, it’s such an iconic place. People talk. People come from all over the state to see shows at the state theater because it’s the State Theatre,” Vander Ark said. 

Bruza said he hopes the next owners care for the space as much as the Hinman family has. 

“It would be really sad if that went away because I would like more generations to be able to experience that theater. That atmosphere is something special for music,” he said.

While Saturday is the last show for now, theater owners said the pause is temporary. Anyone with tickets for events after Saturday is instructed to contact the agency they bought the tickets through to seek a refund.